BIA Expansion Revives, But NPP Focus Risks New Delays
- CNL Reporter
- August 31, 2025
- News
- BIA
- 0 Comments
The long-delayed expansion of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has restarted with renewed financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), but concerns remain over whether the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s heavy focus on anti-corruption drives could slow progress.
The airport’s master plan includes constructing Terminal 2, introducing e-gates, modern baggage screening, and upgraded arrival facilities to boost annual capacity and support Sri Lanka’s goal of attracting 5–7 million high-spending tourists by 2030. Work had stalled in 2022 during the debt crisis but resumed following debt restructuring in 2024.
As of August 30, 2025, BIA continues operating without major disruption. Authorities have implemented a new traffic management plan to ease congestion, while airlines are stretching peak flight times. A new tourist-friendly counter issuing temporary driving licenses has also opened.
Analysts warn that while the NPP’s anti-corruption agenda has broad public support, its relative inexperience in governance and reduced focus on mega projects could risk further delays in critical infrastructure. Tourism stakeholders stress that modernizing BIA is essential to prevent overcrowding, maintain competitiveness with regional hubs, and secure foreign exchange earnings.
The coming months will test whether the NPP can balance its anti-corruption priorities with the timely execution of transformative economic projects.
